Plans Examiner

Review routine plans (exclusive of electrical), drawings and specifications for compliance with applicable codes, laws, rules and regulations and issues the necessary permits upon satisfactory compliance. This class differs from that of Plans Examiner II in that only residential and two family housing is involved and does not involve the variety of life/safety codes to be applied by the Examiner II.

The employee exercises some independent action in the decisions about what permit requests are to be reviewed by higher level technical and administrative staff. The employee applies all relevant codes, ordinances, rules regulations and laws to request for permits of a routine nature to ensure plans are complying before issuing a permit. Work is received from the public, homeowners & builders in the form of applications for permits with attached plans and drawings, review for compliance and the issuance of an appropriate permit.

Job performance is reviewed through submission of reports, public complaints and observation of work performed. There is no supervision exercised by this class. Does related work as required.

• Reviews routine plans, drawings and specifications for compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances including Federal, State and City laws having a bearing on issuing permits.
• Advises concerned parties on necessary changes for compliance and the issuance of permits.
• Issues routine permits for residential and two-family construction, renovations, additions, pools and fencing.
• Advises permit requests of potential zoning problems and variances necessary for permits to be issued.
• Enters and inquires of relevant p.c. contained data.
• Files plans for completed and approved projects in the plan

• Good knowledge of all Federal, State and local codes, rules and regulations related to the construction, modification and additions to residential dwellings and their properties, exclusive of electrical.
• Good knowledge of materials used and practices applied in the alteration and construction of residential structures inclusive of construction principles and practices applied to this field.
• Working knowledge of construction methods, functions and physical properties of residential structures.
• Ability to read and apply architectural drawings and blueprints to existing codes, rules, regulations and laws concerning residential structures.
• Ability to express oneself both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other public officials, general contractors, builders, architects, engineers and the general public.
• Ability to utilize a p.c. in the maintenance and retrieval of codes related data.

A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree in Architectural Technology or Building Construction Technology or a closely related field, and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the construction, repair or inspection of residential or non-residential structures, or in thereview of plans for codes regulations;

or,

B) Three (3) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, in the construction, repair or inspection of residential or non-residential structures, or in the review of plans for codes regulations; or,

C) Current certification as a New York State Code Enforcement Official. A copy of certification must be submitted with the application.

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

The Aff… policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51.

If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at  or personnel.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check and/or drug screen.